Induction of apoptosis in non-heart-beating donor livers by peroxynitrite / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the role of peroxynitrite in induction of apoptosis in non-heart-beating donor (NHBD) liver grafts. Methods Rat livers were harvested and perfused via the portal vein with 60 ml of cold 4℃ HTK solution from heart beating donors (HB) or 60 min after car-diac arrest from NHBD. A third group consisted of NHBD livers which were perfused with HTK con-taining 7500 IU of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (n=6, resp.). After cold storage for 24 h, the func-tional integrity of the liver was evaluated by isolated reperfusion with Krebs-Henseleit Buffer in a re-circulating system at 37℃ for 45 min. Results Compared to the NHBD livers, HB and SOD groups were characterized by a significantly reduced hepatic enzyme leakage(P<0. 05) as well as decreased portal venous pressure(P<0.01). Bile production upon reperfusion was increased significantly (P< 0.01). Prominent decreasing nitrite oxide(NO) (P<0.05), nitrotyrosine(P<0.01, P<0.05) and apoptosis(P<0.05) in effluent perfusate was encountered. Slight nitrotyrosine staining was concen-trated on the endothelial cells. Conclusion Peroxynitrite may play a fundamental role in the apoptosis caused by enhanced oxygen free radical production in NHBD livers.